Video: Airborne Warning And Control System Air Surveillance

Lt.Col. Jelle Dirk Bode NATO E-3A Component, Well, the threat could be analog to 9/11. You know, it could be anything; airplanes that will be used by terrorists to attack a football stadium. Lt.Col. Jelle Dirk Bode NATO E-3A Component During the flight we monitor the area of 160 kilometers around the football stadium in Warsaw. And all contacts that we see are reported via our data link to the ground. Cdr. Guenter Bauer NATO E-3A Component On the screens we actually see all the aircraft flying in the airspace. And I not only see the aircraft I see with my radar, but also the aircraft reported from the ground station. So, we are integrated with the ground radar station as well and it is a common air picture. Cdr. Guenter Bauer NATO E-3A Component Basically, it is not so different. Because we are assisting in maintaining airspace integrity. Assisting in keeping the air picture for our commanding authorities. And that is independent of military or civilian air traffic. Sgt. Andrzej Karpinski NATO E-3A Component I do exactly the same as I always do. It is only the feeling that I do something special and I think the whole crew is sharing the same feeling with me. Lt.Col. Jelle Dirk Bode NATO E-3A Component It happens a few times a year. High-visibility events could be a visit of the Pope, could be President Obama visiting us, a G-8, a NATO Summit. When happenings like that occur, countries can request for extra protection. Hence, for E-3A coverage. Lt.Col. Jelle Dirk Bode NATO E-3A Component. No, we will not be flying over the Ukraine as we can only fly within NATO airspace. So, we will not contribute to the Ukrainian side of the house. REPORTER: But what happens if you see something? If we see something, we will report it to the ground side in Poland and they can converse that message to the authorities in the Ukraine. Cdr. Guenter Bauer NATO E-3A Component Of course it is. Because soccer is always emotional, so it is special for us.. 03.23 SOT: Sgt. Andrzej Karpinski NATO E-3A Component It is very special, because; yes you see I am the only one Polish on board of the jet right now. And it is really like protecting the country and feeling the responsibility for it. As I said, it makes me proud. Really, it is my small support for them to win. REPORTER: So, you don't mind working while others watch the game? I don't mind at all. I mean they love to play football, I love to fly.Sgt. Andrzej Karpinski NATO E-3A Component Well, I am not going to tell you that until we land because the first pilot is from Greece. So, maybe first he lands the plane safely and then I'll tell you who is going to win. Also available in high definition.